Female travelers looking to take extended trips abroad or to have a meaningful cultural immersion experience often find it easy to get jobs teaching English. In many countries, local schools – from private language institutes to public universities – prefer to hire female instructors for cultural reasons. This is especially the case in East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Getting Started
Educational requirements vary. Generally, private language schools (that is, schools that specialize in teaching English and/or other non-native languages) often have the most lax requirements. Though many require some sort of college degree, additional certification usually consists of a short (week or month-long) TEFL or CELTA course. These courses teach classroom techniques specifically for teaching English to non-native speakers. They can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000, but virtually guarantee that a teacher will be able to find work in most places.
Pay Rates
In East Asia, pay can be quite high, considering the cost of living. Though language schools in Vietnam and Thailand only pay $10-$20 per hour, the cost of a month’s worth of rent and food is only about $500. This leaves full time or even part time teachers with a very good quality of life by local standards.
Salaried teachers, who work under contract at private secondary schools or at public and private universities, generally receive more than the typical hourly wage. They are also eligible for some benefits such as an allowance for room and board and health insurance.
Applying and Attaining a Teacher Position
To attain one of these positions, applicants usually have to begin the process while still at home, perhaps only traveling abroad and having an interview at the school in the final stages of the hiring process.
Another option is volunteer teaching. These positions, offered by various non-profit organizations, do not pay. Some include room and board or a small stipend. Usually, however, the volunteers have to pay their own way.
Transitions Abroad is a great resource for people interested in teaching English as a second language abroad.
